Harley-Davidson XA: The Boxer-Engine Motorcycle Few Remember

Bold Detour - Did you know that Harley-Davidson once built a motorcycle powered by a boxer engine? For a brand that has become almost inseparable from the rumble of V-twin cruisers, the idea sounds surprising today. Yet during one of the most challenging periods in modern history, Harley-Davidson briefly stepped away from its traditional formula and created a machine unlike anything else in its lineup.

During World War II, the U.S. Army asked Harley-Davidson to produce a motorcycle as good as BMW's side-valve R71, and here's the result, the Harley-Davidson XA. (Picture from: Trussty)

The story began during World War II, when Harley-Davidson was already supplying motorcycles to the United States Army through the Harley-Davidson WLA. While the WLA served military duties extensively, concerns emerged regarding engine heat, especially in demanding operating conditions. At the same time, military observers were impressed by the capabilities of Germany’s BMW R71, a motorcycle that had proven effective across dramatically different environments, from the freezing landscapes of Eastern Europe to the scorching deserts of North Africa.

Harley-Davidson WLA, another model beside the XA is manufactured as mainstay rides of American GI's during World War II. (Picture from: Trussty)

One of the key reasons behind the BMW’s reputation was its engineering layout. The R71 used a horizontally opposed boxer engine combined with a shaft-drive system. This configuration was valued for its durability, lower operating temperatures, ease of maintenance, and ability to handle a wide range of terrain—qualities that were especially important for military use in active combat zones.

The 1942 Harley-Davidson XA claimed to be able to overcome the heat engine problem on the Harley-Davidson WLA model. (Picture from: ClassicMotorcycle)

Recognizing these advantages, Harley-Davidson carefully examined the technical design of the BMW motorcycle and began developing a comparable machine of its own. The result was the Harley-Davidson XA, introduced in 1942. Although unmistakably American in origin, the XA adopted several concepts that closely mirrored the BMW R71, most notably the boxer engine arrangement and shaft-drive transmission.

Testing the Harley-Davidson XA, that curious 'boxer,' flat-twin, shaft drive motorcycle designed and built for the US Army around 1942. (Picture from: Kits&Coffe in X)

The XA’s design was created with practicality in mind. Its boxer engine positioned the cylinders on opposite sides of the motorcycle, exposing them directly to airflow and helping dissipate heat more efficiently. This engineering choice delivered measurable results. Reports from the period indicated that the XA operated with oil temperatures roughly 56 degrees Celsius lower than those recorded on the V-twin-powered WLA.

The 1942 Harley-Davidson XA had similar features to the BMW R71, namely both using a boxer engine coupled with the shaft drive. (Picture from: GridOto)

Performance was respectable for a military motorcycle of its era. The XA was equipped with a 738 cc boxer engine producing around 23 horsepower. That output allowed the motorcycle to reach a top speed of approximately 104 kilometers per hour, making it capable of handling both transportation and military support duties under a variety of conditions.

With those boxer engine and shaft drive configuration capable make the Harley-Davidson XA run up to a top speed of around 104 kph. (Picture from: BMWDean)

Despite the technical improvements, the XA never became the standard military motorcycle Harley-Davidson had hoped it would be. Production remained limited, with approximately 1,000 units built between 1942 and 1943. In the end, the United States Army chose to continue using the WLA as its primary motorcycle, largely because it was more economical and already established within military logistics and maintenance networks.

Today, the Harley-Davidson XA remains one of the most fascinating chapters in the company’s history. It represents a rare moment when Harley-Davidson looked beyond its traditional engineering philosophy and experimented with ideas inspired by a rival wartime machine. Although its military career was short and many units were eventually sold to civilian riders, the XA stands as a reminder that innovation sometimes emerges from unexpected influences—and that even the most iconic brands can take surprising detours on their journey.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [13102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART | CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | BMW DEAN ]

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Rare Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione: Pininfarina’s Untamed Concept Car

Visionary Metal - After previously diving into the rarely seen Ferrari Dino Berlinetta Speciale — a stunning concept crafted by Pininfarina in 1965 — it’s only natural to explore another exceptional piece from the same lineage. Meet the 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, a one-off creation that doesn’t just follow in the footsteps of its older sibling, but boldly redefines the boundaries of what a concept car could be. 

The one-of-a-kind 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione Prototipo, crafted by Pininfarina, stands as a singular design study that blends racing heritage with avant-garde styling in a truly unforgettable concept car. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Unlike production Ferraris or even race-hardened track cars, the Dino 206 Competizione was never intended for sale or competition. It was a design study, a thought experiment brought to life by the legendary Pininfarina design house at Ferrari’s request. The mission was to create a road-going supercar using advanced racing techniques and components — and what emerged was unlike anything seen before.

The 1966 Ferrari Dino 206 Sports Racer, which served as the foundation for the Dino 206 Competizione, provided the racing chassis and engineering inspiration behind its radical design transformation.. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Penned by designer Paolo Martin, the car took shape atop one of just 18 racing chassis originally built for the Dino 206SP in 1966. That racing heritage is evident the moment you lay eyes on it. Its dramatic, almost alien form features a bubble-like glass canopy, giving it a distinct fishbowl cockpit and an ultra-low driving position. Everything about the shape feels sculpted for airflow and presence — aggressive, futuristic, and unmistakably unique.

The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione boasts a range of unique features, including a fishbowl-style cockpit, a distinctive duck-beak front wing, a rear spoiler, cobalt-blue racing harnesses, and striking gull-wing doors. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Interestingly, the initial version lacked wings. But to give the car an even more forward-thinking, motorsport-inspired appearance, Pininfarina later added a duck-beak style front wing and a subtle rear spoiler. The cobalt-blue racing harnesses inside only added to the machine’s character, blending function with flair. These were not additions made for show — they were meant to elevate the sense that this car belonged somewhere ahead of its time.

The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione, shown with its dramatic gull-wing doors opened, reveals an even more futuristic and race-inspired character that highlights its bold design language. (Picture from: 95Customs)

Powering this visual statement was the same 6-cylinder, longitudinally mounted mid-engine that Ferrari used in their 1966 Le Mans race cars. While the Dino 206 Competizione was never destined to race, it carried the same mechanical spirit, and that connection to performance lent it credibility as more than just a static concept. Its debut at the 1967 Frankfurt Auto Show made a bold impression, standing not just as a car, but as a declaration of design freedom.

The 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 Competizione is powered by a 6-cylinder, mid-mounted longitudinal engine, the same type used in Ferrari’s 1966 Le Mans race cars, emphasizing its deep connection to motorsport engineering. (Picture from: 95Customs)

After its public debut, the car spent decades housed at Pininfarina’s museum in Turin, admired but rarely seen outside of insider circles. That changed in 2007, when noted Ferrari collector James Glickenhaus acquired it and brought it to the United States. For Glickenhaus — already known for assembling some of the rarest and most striking Ferrari models — the Dino 206 Competizione was a natural fit. Today, it resides alongside his other legendary pieces such as the bespoke Ferrari P4/5, the racing-bred P4/5 Competizione, and the otherworldly Ferrari 512S Modulo Concept. 

In many ways, the Dino 206 Competizione isn’t just a car — it’s a conversation between design and performance, a moment in history when imagination took the wheel. Though it never saw a production line or starting grid, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who appreciate cars not just as machines, but as art. *** [EKA [30102020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 95CUSTOMS | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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The Killer: The Custom Motorcycle That Brought History Back to Life

Heritage Reforged - Custom motorcycles often push the limits of creativity, but few creations have attracted as much attention as The Killer, one of the most remarkable custom motorcycles in 2019. Built by Australian-born motorcycle builder Craig Rodsmith of Rodsmith Motorcycles in the United States, this machine stood out thanks to its unusual shape and highly unconventional engineering.

Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' by Craig Rodsmith for Haas Moto Museum and Sculpture Gallery at The Handbuilt Motorcycle Show 2019. (Picture from: UltimateMotorcycling)

The project began when Bobby Haas, founder of the Dallas-based Haas Moto Museum, discovered old photographs of a rare Art Deco motorcycle developed by German engineers in Munich during the 1930s. Fascinated by the design, he contacted Rodsmith to explore the possibility of bringing a modern version of the concept to life.

The Killer features the integrated amber headlight, bars, and the thin seat are all similarly crafted from aluminum. (Picture from: BikeExif)

The main inspiration was the 1935 Killinger und Freund Motorrad, a motorcycle remembered for its futuristic styling and front-wheel-drive layout. Rather than copying the original exactly, Rodsmith created a functional tribute that preserved its distinctive character while showcasing modern craftsmanship.

Front view of Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer.' (Picture from: BikeExif)

Its most striking feature was the engine arrangement. Instead of sending power to the rear wheel, The Killer used three hand-built 60cc two-stroke engines mounted in a radial configuration inside the 19-inch front wheel, making it one of the most unusual motorcycles ever constructed.

The Killer completed without a central motor, chain, or driveshaft keeps it minimalist and utterly stunning to behold. (Picture from: BikeExif)

The motorcycle’s chassis was also built entirely by hand without the aid of CNC machines or 3D design software. Every detail was carefully crafted to reflect the flowing Art Deco style of the original inspiration, including an integrated amber headlight and a slim aluminum seat.

Rodsmith Motorcycle 'The Killer' was heavily inspired by this German's art-deco styled front-wheeled drive motorcycle called 'Friedenstaube' (Peace Dove) or Killinger und Freund Motorrad. (Picture from: Wind-Water.nl)

To make the front-wheel-drive system work, Rodsmith engineered a centrifugal clutch connected to a sprocket and axle assembly. The setup delivered power smoothly and created a riding experience unlike that of conventional motorcycles..

The Killer has three 60 cc 2-stroke identical engines, in a radial configuration, on its 19-inch front wheel. (Picture from: BikeExif)

Starting the bike required special engineering as well. Since three engines had to run together, Rodsmith developed a custom Bendix drive system that allowed the electric starter to disengage automatically once the engines were operating.

The Killer is a fully functional bike but the project was commissioned mostly as an artwork to be shown off at the museum. (Picture from: Enrg.io)

According to its creators, The Killer is surprisingly easy to ride despite its unusual design. Rodsmith described the sensation as feeling pulled forward by the engine rather than pushed from behind, giving the motorcycle a unique character on the road.

Although fully functional, The Killer was commissioned mainly as a work of art for display at the Haas Moto Museum. Years later, it remains a fascinating blend of history, engineering, and craftsmanship, proving that even a forgotten idea from the 1930s can inspire one of the most extraordinary custom motorcycles of the modern era.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops......

*** [EKA [06102019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RODSMITH MOTORCYCLE | HAAS MOTO MUSEUM | BIKEEXIF

| ULTIMATE MOTORCYCLING | ENRG.IO]

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Tracing the Evolution from Jaguar D-Type to E-Type: Key Developments Revealed

Missing LINK - The Jaguar D-type and its successor, the E-type, stand as two of the most iconic creations in Jaguar's history. These models not only reflect Jaguar’s rich automotive legacy but also marked the brand's dominance in the racing world. In the mid-1950s, Jaguar's D-type achieved significant success, particularly at the renowned 24-Hours of Le Mans. From 1955 to 1956, Jaguar's racing prowess was unmatched, and the D-type was instrumental in securing back-to-back victories. 

The 1960 Jaguar E2A Prototype is a scaled up development mule built with the chassis made of steel, not monocoque aluminum as in the E1A. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Seen Dodge Firearrow Concept series

Unique ONES - In the intriguing world of automotive design, the collaboration between America and Italy has produced some truly remarkable cars, and one shining example is the Dodge Firearrow Series.

1954 Dodge Firearrow II (left) posed along with the 1954 Dodge Firearrow IV (right). (Picture from: VintageRaceCars)

Conceived in the early 1950s by Virgil Exner, the design chief at Chrysler Corp, and crafted by the esteemed Turin-based coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia, these concept cars stand as a testament to the fusion of style and innovation. Now, let's us talking about those Firearrow concepts as follows;

1. Dodge Firearrow I

In 1953, the first Firearrow concept came out of Chrysler's advanced styling studio and was a dummy. Later, three Firearrows followed led to Dual Ghias. The Firearrow I was a true roadster and painted in Red and Gray, while the interior was yellow with maroon piping. Its wheels were full wheel covers and the bodyside molding wrapped all of the ways around the car and has dual headlights.

1953 Dodge Firearrow I Concept sat alongside with Abarth Fiat 1100 (Ghia) at the 1953 Turin Motor show. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The Dodge Firearrow, a sleek, 34-inch-high sports roadster, is a new 'idea' car of the Dodge Division, hand-crafted by Ghia of Turin, Italy. At that time, William C. Newberg, president of Dodge, says that certain design features of the experimental body may well be reflected in future Dodge production models, but there are no present plans to produce the Firearrow.

1953 Dodge Firearrow I Concept was designed by the Chrysler Corp design chief in the time, Virgil Exner and built by Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The car is shown for the first time on November 12, 1953, at Chrysler Corporation's annual new car press party in Detroit. And today, it is on display at Petersen’s Museum although the seats are now brown.

2. Dodge Firearrow II

The second series of roadster-styled concept car of Dodge itself is built on a 119-inch chassis and equipped with a Red Ram Hemi (241 cubic inch engine) combined with a four-speed Gyro-Torque semi-automatic gearbox, so then the car is claimed to be capable of spewing power up to 150 horsepower.

1954 Dodge Firearrow II Concept appeared with different front and rear sections than the previous model. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

It painted in yellow and looked a lot like Firearrow I, except the body side molding didn’t wrap around the car, chrome wire wheels replace the full hub caps, single headlights replaced the dual, and Firearrow I’s split bumper was changed.

Rear three-quarter view of the 1954 Dodge Firearrow II Concept. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

But, it retained the two-seats behind the dashboard and striking frameless windshield when it appeared in 1954.

3. Dodge Firearrow III

In 1954, the two-seat Firearrow Sport Coupe appeared and proclaimed as the third series of the Dodge's models. As with the earlier roadster, the metallic blue coupe was essentially a 1954 Dodge.

1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sports Coupe shown at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance. (Picture from: Supercars.net) 

Dual headlights returned and now flanked a concave grille cut with narrow verticals. It also featured with the crash protection front and rear was provided by modest bumperettes. A wraparound backlight gave the Sport Coupe a particularly rakish aspect.

Rear three-quarter view of the 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sports Coupe. (Picture from: Supercars.net) 

The third in a series of four unique Firearrow concept cars made, it has been said that this concept car had the skillful blending of the best ideas from Europe and the American design studios of Virgil Exner and brought an entirely new kind of beauty with a look of poised power.

4. Dodge Firearrow IV

The fourth series of Firearrow convertible arrived late in 1954. Despite being the series' first four-seater model, it shared many styling cues with the previous Sport Coupe model, or can be said, it was basically a soft-top version of the coupe.

1954 Dodge Firearrow IV four-seater convertible concept car and share the same design as the previous sports coupe version. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The Dodge Firearrow IV was the only road-legal concept car that was actually prepared to enter the production line and adorn many car shows in the United States in 1954. And if you look at the specifications, this concept is similar to the Firearrow II which was also designed by Exner and built-in Turin by Ghia on a 119-inch chassis by using the same drivetrain.

1954 Dodge Firearrow IV convertible leather interior's with a black and white diamond pattern. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The concave grille returned, though it now carried a grid treatment instead of the coupe's slim verticals. As for the convertible's leather interior, as it was a diamond pattern done in hard-to-ignore black and white, it was definitely an acquired taste. Additional sizzle was provided by the car's bright red body.

Rear three-quarter view of the 1954 Dodge Firearrow IV four-seater convertible. (Picture from: Automotivereport)

Although these timeless creations, though never mass-produced, continue to captivate the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of the innovative spirit that defined an era. The Dodge Firearrow series stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and collaboration that can emerge from the marriage of American and Italian automotive design.. *** [EKA[13072020] [24092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | AUTOWEEK | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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Iso Grifo 90: The Forgotten Italian GT Dream

Missed Glory - Before the 2nd World War, Renzo Rivolta had already established a successful refrigerator manufacturing company named Isothermos. In the 1940s, the business shifted into the production of scooters under the Iso brand. This venture later expanded into the development of the small-engined bubble car, the Isetta, produced between 1953 and 1955. Although Iso ceased production afterward, the Isetta continued under license in other countries until 1964.

The Iso Grifo 90 was appeared with a sleek body lines and intended to mark the Iso's brand reviving in the 1991. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

After a delay in developing its next automobile, the company eventually entered the four-wheeled vehicle market with a completely different approach. The result was the Iso Rivolta, a rear-wheel-drive saloon with two doors and four seats, powered by a Chevrolet-sourced 5,359 cc V8 OHV engine. Designed by Giotto Bizzarrini and styled by Carrozzeria Bertone, the model set the tone for Iso’s future identity.

The Iso Grifo 90 is designed by Marcello Gandini with the chassis and powertrain developed by Gian Paolo Dellara. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Soon after, Iso’s Milan-based factory introduced the Grifo, followed by the Fidia in 1967. The final production model from the brand was the Lele. In 1966, company founder Renzo Rivolta passed away, and control of the business was taken over by his son, Piero Rivolta.😭

The Iso Grifo 90 has certain changes to the interior so that the potential customers would feel like they were sitting in a very special car. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

Entering the 1970s, Iso made a critical misstep by deciding to compete in the Formula One with Frank Williams. Unfortunately, this decision came at a time when the company was already financially strained, compounded by the global oil crisis. These combined challenges ultimately led to the collapse of the Iso brand in 1975.

The Iso Grifo 90 prototype is based on the Corvette C5 Z06 with the aluminium body was fitted to a tubular steel chassis frame, so it weighs only 1,200 kg. (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

In the late 1980s, Piero Rivolta, together with Piero Sala, attempted to revive the marque with a new GT model. They commissioned Gian Paolo Dallara to develop its chassis and powertrain, while Marcello Gandini was tasked with the design. The result was the Iso Grifo 90, which incorporated the styling cues of the 1990s. The prototype was unveiled to the press in 1991, with plans for limited production beginning in 1994.

The Iso Grifo 90 prototype is powered by a front mounted turbocharged 5.7-litre Chevrolet V8 engine (tuned by Callaway). (Picture from: OldCarConcept)

However, the prototype presented was incomplete—it lacked an engine, a functional interior, and even usable wheels. Due to insufficient funding, the project was suspended. The model remained dormant until 2007, when Federico Bonomelli, owner of the “Mako-Shark” composite materials company and an Iso Rivolta collector, rediscovered the original mock-up. Together with his brother, Bonomelli redesigned the car and obtained approval from Piero Rivolta to build a series of 12 units of the Iso Grifo 90. 

Federico Bonomelli posed along with one of the classic and rare cars of his owned, the Iso Grifo 7Litri. (Picture from: AutoClassMagazine)

The new prototype was based on the Corvette C5 Z06. It featured an aluminum body mounted on a tubular steel chassis, resulting in a weight of only 1,200 kg. Power came from a front-mounted, turbocharged 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8 engine tuned by Callaway, producing 490 hp. This was paired with a six-speed gearbox, Brembo brakes, and a locking differential. The car was expected to exceed 300 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. 

The rolling prototype of the Iso Grifo 90 was completed in 2010. However, the global economic crisis at the time diminished enthusiasm for the project. As a result, Bonomelli decided not to proceed with the full 12-car production run. Thus, Iso’s modern GT effort once again fell victim to unfortunate timing.😐 *** [EKA [21092021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTYPE | OLDCONCEPTCARS | AUTOCLASSMAGAZINE | CURVES-MAGAZIN | CALLAWAY | DYLER ]

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